Lockheed X-17

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The Lockheed X-17 was a three-stage solid-fuel research rocket to test the effects of high mach atmospheric reentry. The first stage of the X-17 carried the rocket to a height of Template:Convert before burning out. The rocket would then coast on momentum to about Template:Convert before nosing down for reentry. The second stage engine would then fire before jettisoning and igniting the third and final stage. On April 24, 1957, an X-17 reached a speed of Template:Convert at Patrick AFB.[1] Ultimately the X-17 would be traveling towards Earth at up to Mach 14.5.

The X-17 was also used as the booster for the Operation Argus series of three high-altitude nuclear tests conducted in the South Atlantic in 1958.[2]

The rocket engine used by the rocket is called 1.5KS35000, a solid propellant rocket engine designed by Thiokol. It was used in at least 23 launches.[3][4]

Polaris FTV program

The X-17 was used as a test vehicle to test technology for the development of the UGM-27 Polaris missile in 1957–1958. During this testing, the rocket was called the Polaris Flight Test Vehicle, or Polaris FTV. The Polaris FTV-3 was a standard configuration X-17. The Polaris FTV-5 was a two-stage configuration using the same first stage, a Sergeant rocket, with a different second stage.[5]

References

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External links

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  1. E. Emme, ed., Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1915–1960, p. 85.
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